Tattoo by Design

I went to this shop two weeks ago just before my niece’s birthday to get matching semicolon tattoos. We were told there was a minimum and we might add another small tattoo for the same price. All four tattoos we received were such poor quality that we’ll have to have them all redone elsewhere.
The lines are sketchy and uneven. My niece got a small rune and the three lines are shaky and uneven. The small cup I received behind my ear is lopsided with shading that looks more like scribbling. My friend, a well regarded and published tattoo artist in Canada, tells me that the quality is so unprofessional that I can most definitely expect hazing around the edges. He was shocked to see the results of a $ 75 excursion at a professional shop. I’m so unhappy with the results that I’ve had to wear my hair to the side to cover my ear where the tattoo was
I’m assuming we received a less experienced artist because of the simplicity of our tattoos, a mistake in itself as a bad artist can destroy any image. using the same basic stencil, even our semicolons didn’t match. I don’t often complain in public forums, but I feel obligated to write a review of my experience. I would have liked to have been warned before placing these permanent marks on my body.
I wish I could figure out how to include photos. It’s pretty shockingly bad.

My boyfriend and I received horrible service here. He went in on his own and was told initially that they could do his desired tattoo. They had him pay a $ 40 deposit and told him they would have drawings prepared for him by the first week of August. Instead he went in three weeks into August and they had no drawings prepared whatsoever. Diane who had planned to do his tattoo was not available the whole weekend. Raeza, another tattoo artist said she could do his tattoos but she was extremely unprofessional. We spent at least 30 minutes showing her images and explaining our vision for his tattoo. She seemed extremely unconfident about her ability to perform the tattoo, had no artistic ideas to contribute and in the end came up with a sketch that looked like it took 5 minutes that I could have drawn myself. She was a horrible communicator and seemed very slow. It took her minutes to spit out sentences which was very frustrating. In the end, we went to another tattoo shop that was friendly, accommodating and professional from the start. After getting his tattoo done at the other shop he called Raeza to get back his initial deposit and they have yet to call him back… all around and service.

This tattoo shop … wow. I cant believe the artist here are even licensed. They lack creativity, passion, dedication, and they are lazy! After my experience with them, I understand why they would rather hustle hard working Americans out of a little money rather than give an unsatisfied customer their deposit back. They suck and they want to do the least amount of work possible. So months after I waited without a call, text, or e-​mail and after I paid for an original idea to be simply outlined I went in. Diane (I will get to her later) was on vacation. I asked Raeza if she had anything done. I could tell she felt stupid but she continued stuttering and telling me a million reasons on why she eventually said,” so I don’t have anything at the moment.” I figured that so I brought in very specific simple tattoo designs to do. Raeza said she didn’t think she could do it like the tattoos in the picture and I told her to come up with an design she knew she could do. It was garbage. She’s such a dunce. She’s out. Diane, the ultimate hustler, lied flat out in my face and made promises she knew apparently, she could not keep. Im not going to go into the details because I wrote enough but basically she convinced me to pay my deposit by lying. When I say lying, I mean LYING about everything she is saying. After we talked back and forth for about 45 mins and I reluctantly gave the deposit, she happily rushed me out of the door and said «I’ll draw something up and give you a call soon.» She never called. In fact, I didn’t talk to her until I tried to get my money back. I really wanted to give it to someone who earned that money. Seriously, don’t go to them for something this permanent, every other shop is a better option.

Ian did both mine, and my girlfriends tattoos. Did an awesome job on both. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND

After getting my first tattoo there about 18 years ago (which still looks awesome) I would never go anywhere else. I actually cringe when I hear someone has gone elsewhere because I have seen some pretty jacked up work and crazy prices.
Here, they work with you and are honest and definitely have earned my loyalty. After a dozen large custom pieces I feel I can speak from experience when I say how great they are. If I am an not enough, get this, I go to a highly regarded local dermatologist about some moles and she sees my extensive work but I was not prepared by this prim doctor gushing about how excellent the work was and then recommended I have tattoo over a scar that bothered me. In the end, the doctor asked who had done it and I promptly pulled out a dozen of Catherine’s cards, as I always carry some.
So overall, get a tat here. All are good but Catherine is the greatest. But with any tattoo, please don’t just go for some birthday discount or coupon, go here where the work is exceptional and prices are more than fair. And never pick a tat from a wall… make it personal, something you will always love.

I’m getting ready for new ink…
I got my first piece back in the 70s… when women just didn’t. A few years ago, I wanted it re-touched…and I wanted to grow the small rose on my ankle into something more.
I went in to consult with Diane after having seen her work on a couple of other people — I quite liked the natural style and her choice of color.
She has now done that piece, a bracelet of roses around my wrist, a river scene/​ribbon on my other arm, and gorgeous pieces on my left shoulder and my lower back. Lots of floral… and my Corgi.
We have plans for several more pieces. She’s also done work for my daughter and my daughter-​in-​law, both of which turned out beautifully.
Much love to Tattoo by Design and Diane!

I got my tattoo done about a year ago, and the entire experience was really great. I went in with a bunch of pictures, but no concrete image in my mind. Ian (I think it was Ian.?) helped with the initial drawing. He was really great and open to changing things so that it was exactly what I wanted. Diane was the one who actually did my tattoo, she was also really, really great. And it was nice that they didn’t have issues with me bringing a friend along so I had someone to hold my hand. (The second I heard the needle thingy start, I freaked out inside my mind. Did I mention that this was my first tattoo?)
I needed a touch up, but that wasn’t a problem at all. Just make sure to call before you go in for anything.
Oh yeah, the tattoo area is kind of out in the open, but I didn’t mind. If you do, it might not be the best place for you.
Also, I did witness a drunk couple walk in and ask if they could get a tattoo. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to witness semi-​permanent mistakes happen right before my eyes. Oh well.

I got my first tattoo yesterday at Tattoo By Design, and I am SO psyched with the end product, and so glad I did it. I wanted a tattoo on my upper thigh-​hip area, and during my initial consult, Katherine helped point out what areas I should avoid in case I ever got pregnant in the future (much appreciated!). She listened to my thoughts on my design, and showed me a design from their books that she thought matched the idea I had. I ended up using that exact one as a base, but had it modified in a couple of places, which Katherine was more than happy to do. The end image was even better than what I had initially envisioned. I LOVED how detailed they were regarding pre– and post-​tattoo care, and how willing they were to answer questions, give advice, etc. Word of advice: do EVERYTHING they say (pre-​tattoo, no alcohol, no garlic, tons of protein and Vitamin K, a solid meal before)! I ended up with essentially a pain-​free tattoo process with virtually no bleeding. Plus, I really like that you can go back whenever you need a touchup or the color fades over the years, etc free of charge. Katherine did an AMAZING job, put me completely at ease, and was quick and thorough. I am SO in love with the end result — it looks amazing and I know I made the right choice picking Katherine and Tattoo by Design. They are SUPER meticulous and clean, and have very stringent guidelines regarding infection prevention and control. Incredibly professional, friendly, helpful, need I say more? I have nothing but amazing things to say about this place. The only problem is that now I’m addicted to the tattoo process and already want more…

AMAZING experience. I’ve wanted a tattoo for years and finally bit the bullet and wandered into Tattoo by Design today. The women working there were absolutely fantastic and so helpful. I was very impressed by the level of professionalism and expertise and would highly recommend this place to anyone– especially first timers.
Kylee did an awesome job. She explained everything in detail and really put me at ease. Never once did I worry that I was making the wrong choice in getting a tattoo– she is fantastic!
Special shout out to Katherine who suggested a slightly different placement than I had in mind. She clearly knows what she is doing and I am so grateful for her insight.
Bottom line– Tattoo by Design is top notch.

I have always wanted a tattoo but didn’t know exactly what i wanted. I had been telling anyone who listened (for atleast 3 years) that i wanted one but was worried that i would wake up with regret.
The employees were friendly, helpful and willing to give me time to adjust the design to my satisfaction…
The place was clean and tidy. They gave written instructions on what to do before and after and what to expect in-​between.
They guarantee their work and that gives good peace of mind.

It’s been awhile, but I got my first and only tattoo here.
The experience itself was good. It was just me and one other guy in a small area. I wasn’t a big fan of being propped up on a counter with my butt exposed to the guy and his girlfriend, but we all got a good laugh out of it, so whatever.
The guy who did my tattoo was very nice. And when I tried to pass out, they gave me water and a sucker which, believe it or not, helped. We got through the tattoo, he gave me my care instructions, and sent me home.
So now for the reason I only gave 3 stars. It’s been a couple of years, and the tattoo is discolored and you can feel it on my back. When you run your hand over it, the skin is raised were it is. So the experience itself was good, but the resulting tattoo looks poorly done and disclosed.